Safety and Efficacy of Weight Loss Drugs in Children with Obesity or Type 2 Diabetes: A Concern for On-Going Trials

Strategic Insights -

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics, titled "Efficacy and Safety of GLP-1 RAs in Children and Adolescents With Obesity or Type 2 Diabetes," raises concerns about the safety and efficacy of weight loss drugs in children and adolescents with obesity or type 2 diabetes. The study, conducted by Kotecha et al., aims to assess the safety and efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) in this population. Professor Naveed Sattar, a cardiometabolic medicine expert, highlights the need for more safety assessments for newer medicines, including impacts on growth and puberty, and the duration for which these drugs are needed.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that GLP-1 RAs, which are commonly used in adults, may not be effective in children and adolescents with obesity or type 2 diabetes, with modest weight loss achieved with older medicines.
  • Professor Sattar emphasized the importance of ongoing trials with newer agents, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, which are more effective but require further safety assessments.
  • The study drew attention to the need for more research on the long-term effects of weight loss drugs on children and adolescents, including impacts on growth and puberty.
  • Professor Sattar noted that childhood obesity cannot be solved solely with drugs and that prevention through changing the obesogenic environment is crucial.
  • The study highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing childhood obesity, including education, policy changes, and community-based initiatives.

Statistics:

  • The study included 14 trials involving 5,174 participants, aged 6-17 years, with obesity or type 2 diabetes.
  • The meta-analysis found that GLP-1 RAs resulted in a mean (SD) weight loss of 1.4% (0.1) at 26 weeks, which is considered modest.
  • Professor Sattar noted that newer agents, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, may achieve greater weight loss but require further safety assessments.

Sources:

  • Kotecha et al. (2025). Efficacy and Safety of GLP-1 RAs in Children and Adolescents With Obesity or Type 2 Diabetes. JAMA Pediatrics.
  • University of Glasgow. Professor Naveed Sattar's profile.